“Year in the Life” pictures sought

By submitted, 09/12/17 9:53 AM

HOPE – The first pictures for the Bicentennial project by the Southwest Arkansas Arts Council (SWAAC) have been taken and area photographers of all skill levels are urged to “document their perspective of their slice of the county,” said George S. Smith, council executive director.

From September 1 to Aug. 31, 2018, “photographers are urged to take unique or everyday photos of people, places, events and things in Hempstead County and send them to be considered for inclusion in a special bicentennial project, ‘A Year in the Life of Hempstead County,” Smith said.

Pictures with a smart phone, point-and-shoot or professional cameras “will be considered,” he said. “This project is interested in getting photos from every group, every culture, from schools, churches, outdoor activities, athletic events … you name it.’

Photos collected are scheduled to be put into a documentary form, with a goal of producing a tabletop book “that will be cherished for generations to come,’ Smith said. “While the 112 months of the project is really just an eye-blink in time, it will give future generations an honest perspective of what it was like to live in Hempstead County in 2018.”

Photos can be submitted to gsid143@gmail.com or HCbicentennialphotos@gmail.com. Information to be included: name of photographer and contact information, location of the photo, circumstances of it being taken (homecoming, dance, church service, etc.), and names of in the photo, left to right.

Be a part of history, Smith said. “Send in your photos and make a contribution to capturing a small segment in the time and activities on our county’s 200th anniversary.”

Cutlines:

Bobbie Jean Smith, a retired school teacher and elementary principal, and an adjunct instructor at the University of Arkansas Community College at Hope, reads a book she co-authored to students at Clinton Elementary School. The book – Sir Issac Newton, a Squirrel’s Tale – is a true story about her family raising a baby squirrel.

Margaret Smith, longtime employee at the Clinton Depot Museum, poses with a poster of her friend, President Bill Clinton.